You are caring for a patient who has had and ICD implanted. The patient has developed VT. What should you note?

Question

A) ECG to compare time of onset of VT and onset of device's shock
B) ECG so physician can see what type of dysrhythmia the patient has
C) Time of shock and result of shock
D) Patient's activity at time of dysrhythmia

Answer 1

Ans: A

Feedback: If the patient has an ICD implanted and develops VT (ventricular fibrillation), the ECG should be recorded to note the time between the onset of the dysrhythmia and the onset of the device's shock or antitachycardia pacing. You would not record the patient's activity at the time of the shock.